Life as a student isn’t always easy. You’re not going to have much money when you’re studying full time. Thankfully, the world is pretty sympathetic to the fact that you’re completely broke right now but might cure diabetes one day.
You can take full advantage of this sympathy to get in on some banging deals to save money. It’s your right to do so as a student – so don’t hold back!
Tips for saving money as a student
When it comes to saving money, nothing beats having a good budget and actually sticking to it. That’s easier said than done, but your best bet is to put the effort in early on and watch the dollars pile up. Other than that, here are our top 10 tips for saving money as a student with incredible back to school deals and saving tips.
Get a student discount card
Every country has its own equivalent of the student discount card. These generally cost money, which goes to the Student Union. They’re worth investing in, as they can unlock discounts in hundreds of stores that you’re likely to shop in around town.
Use student discounts on services
Got Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon? Pretty much every entertainment and retail service these days offers a student discount – often 50% off or more! Make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth! On top of that, there are plenty of stores that offer back to school deals on products like laptops, phones, and more.
Never shop hungry
This one is old wisdom, and it stands true throughout the ages. Never go shopping for food when you’re hungry, as you’ll end up buying a load of random stuff that you don’t need – often sugary snacks that aren’t nutritious or filling.
Cook meals in bulk
The cheapest way to eat is to get a decent and healthy recipe with minimal ingredients and maximum nutrition, then bulk cook it, put it into separate containers, and eat it throughout the week. You can also split the costs with your housemates to make it even cheaper and more communal.
Pre-drink before a night out
If you’re going to go out on a night out, then the chances are you’re going to be paying prices for drinks that are more than you’re comfortable paying. To get around this, take full advantage of the pre - drinking session before leaving your house – just make sure you don’t overdo it.
Leave your card at home
Once you’re out, you’re out. And it’s easy to slip into the temptation of getting more cash out than you planned on spending. To avoid this, simply leave your card at home and take out enough cash to have a good time without blowing money unnecessarily.
Choose the right student bank account
On the note of banks, make sure that you research the available student bank account deals when you get to university. Some of them will give you details, while others will offer an interest-free overdraft. Consider what’s more important to you and make an informed decision to save money.
Use discount coupons
A simple Google search can give you tons of discount coupons to use when shopping online or in-store. From discount coupons to promo codes, you can often save loads of money in restaurants and bars, as well as in retail shops. Check out our post on ‘How To Use Coupons To Save Money On Almost Anything You Buy’ for more information.
Use a discount-hunting browser extension
You can add browser extensions to Chrome and Firefox that automatically add coupons and promo codes to your basket at checkout. It’s the easiest way to save money when shopping online. Check out our post on ‘The Five Best Browser Extensions to Save Money When Shopping Online’ for more information, share your shopping blog at here.
Earn some extra money and save
You can easily become a brand ambassador online, or a promoter for a bar or club and gain discounts while doing it. Have a look at what opportunities you can find to make some extra cash while gaining even more discounts!
